White Sox To Add Rule 5 Pick Nieto To Opening Day Roster

The White Sox have informed Rule 5 pick Adrian Nieto, who was plucked from the Nationals organization, that he will make the Opening Day roster, his agent Joshua Kusnick tweeted. Nieto beat out Josh Phegley (who was optioned on Wednesday) and Hector Gimenez for the right to back up incumbent Tyler Flowers.

The 24-year-old Cuban native has never played above the High-A level. Last year, he put up a .282/.371/.446 line with 11 home runs in 448 plate appearances as a 23-year-old. Checking in as the Nats' 30th overall prospect entering the season (per Baseball America), Nieto is said to be a work-in-progress behind the dish who could become an average defensive backstop. His calling card is his bat, with BA saying that the switch-hitter could become an offense-first MLB catching option.

Of course, Chicago will need to keep Nieto on its 25-man roster for the duration of the season to keep his rights going forward.

I called this right when they picked him, and was pretty much sure of it once josh was sent to AAA. He is young with tons of potential and he pitchers are said to really like throwing to him. Plus a switch hitter is always nice.

Another nice move by Rick to build up organizational depth. Sox actually have the luxury of carrying him. If Tyler’s shoulder is healed, they really don’t have much need for Phegley, as Tyler is capable of carrying the bulk of the catching load. If Tyler can’t establish himself, you can always swap Josh in. Either way, Nieto’s value as a Ryan Doumit-style switch hitting bat should keep him on the roster all season. Very little risk with some potential upside.

Wow can’t believe the rise and fall of Josh Phegley. Let’s face it, the future at the position is not currently in the organization. I’m surprised the white sox did not address this position this offseason but they are re-loading and retooling so there still is time and giving Tyler Flowers another year to prove his worth is not a bad idea.